Infants

Infants Classroom

BRIDGES along with the WEE Learn Curriculum provides a framework on which teachers can build an early childhood program that allows children from infancy to grow and develop as Jesus did – in “wisdom and stature” and in “favor with God and Man” (Luke 2:52). A child’s growth and development is viewed as a process not an event. Development begins when the child is conceived and continues throughout life. Teachers will provide guidance and activities to help each child develop language, prereading, prewriting, and other foundational skills appropriate to his or her stage of development.

The following are some themes for the 2018-2019 school year:

I Am Growing I Am Learning About Me I Can See & Hear I Can Taste, Touch & Smell I Can Eat Good Food Making Friends My Family Enjoys Fall My Family Works in Many Ways My Friends at Church My Family Gives Thanks Christmas is a Happy Time Winter all Around Us Clothes I Wear Things I Touch Toys for Play God’s World in Springtime Colors & Shapes I See God Gives Us Day & Night God Gives Us Animals God Gives us Plants Going Many Places Caring for Pets Summer Fun We Thanks God for Water

With infants comfort is the major concern. When a baby is comfortable and secure, he or she develops in the following ways:

Physical Characteristics:

Develops use of mouth, eyes, head, neck, and shoulders

Gains control of neck muscles

Learns to reach for objects, to grasp and hold objects, to drop objects, and to transfer objects from one hand to another

Focuses eyes

Turns over, sits alone

Begins teething

Mental Characteristics:

Shows interest in human faces, eyes, bright objects and his own image in a mirror.

Notices hands, begins to reach for objects

Grasps and plays with feet and toes

Knows and responds to his name

Recognizes primary care givers

Recognizes familiar voices

Places objects

Understands a number of words

Emotional & Social Characteristics:

Startled by loud noises; is soothed by a quiet pleasant voice.

Finds comfort and satisfaction in sucking; enjoys gumming objects

Expresses anger, excitement or distress through crying

Smiles in response to human faces

Coos, chuckles, and laughs out loud

Tries to imitate facial expressions and vocal expressions

Makes sounds

Smiles and wiggles with excitement when talked to, played with, and smiled at

Likes attention and cuddling

Spiritual Characteristics:

Responds to soft music, a quiet voice and loving care

Is learning trust

Responds with contentment and delight to happy times

Begins to experience affection and love from other people besides family members